The Overstory, by Richard Powers, is one of the most powerful books I've read this year. It blew me away! And I'll never look at a tree again without a sense of wonder and awe. It jolted me into an even deeper state of concern about climate change, and into exploring my role in reflexive consumption. In addition, it is a beautiful story of individuals whose lives are transformed (see #1 above!) by their connection to each other and to something beyond themselves. At times it's mesmerizing, frightening, moving, frustrating, and magical. The book humbles us before not just redwoods but the impact of our actions.
Civic Participation in 2020
There’s an important day coming right around the corner. As members of a shared society, we have a responsibility to participate in the process of shaping the government that serves us in any way we can. Whether it’s to ensure that we vote in the upcoming election or to help others navigate how to do the same we need to rethink our civic participation.
Getting Prepared For What Comes Next (RESOURCES INCLUDED)
Wellness for Communities of Color
Organizations I Love: Equal Justice Initiative
The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to ending mass incarceration and excessive punishment in the United States, to challenging racial and economic injustice, and to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society.
I am beyond inspired by the words, work, and impact that EJI’s founder, Bryan Stevenson, offers the world and find his approach to be a powerful blend of smart, compassionate and inclusive. This guy gets the most important things done, and supporting the work of the organization is one way for any of us to do a small part in ensuring that it is sustained.
Organizations I Love: Well Beings
Well Beings is growing a next-gen movement that elevates and unites animal welfare and environmental protection by shining a spotlight on new models and helping to scale the most promising solutions.
My dear friend Wilhelmina Waldman recently became the organization’s first Executive Director, and I’m thrilled that someone with her passion, dedication, and vision will be leading the charge as this wonderful start-up gets serious traction. I just took their pledge. Will you?
Organizations I Love: Reut Institute/TOM
I’ve had the privilege of working with Gidi Grinstein, founder of the Reut Institute as an Advisor and Coach for many years. In addition to this forward-looking social enterprise incubator, he also launched Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM) a global movement of communities that creates and disseminates affordable solutions to neglected challenges faced by people living with disabilities, the elderly and the poor.
Organizations I Love: The Groundtruth Project/Report for America
It has been such a privilege to serve as a Strategic Advisor to The GroundTruth Project over the past seven years. During that time, the organization received its 501c3 status, achieved 10X growth (!), launched Report for America and – perhaps most importantly – told some of the most important stories of our time while nurturing the careers of the next generation of journalists around the world.
Organizations I Love: The Moth
Leaders are responsible for taking charge of their individual development to become greater contributors and stronger leaders. I've had the privilege of coaching The Moth's artistic director, Catherine Burns, for eight (8) years. Working with her during this time has resulted in many positive outcomes that have contributed to her personal growth and, ultimately, that of the organization.
Organizations I Love: The Palette Fund
HEALTHY HABIT: Show gratitude.
It's important to show gratitude for the good things in life. I've been lucky enough to work with some amazing organizations over the years, and I'm so thankful for it. Here's a project that is close to my heart. I worked on this with an organization that just happened to be my very first client. Enjoy!
Games R Us
For a stay-at-home night that brings friends, family and even strangers together, there’s nothing that beats cooking a beautiful meal, opening a great bottle of wine and settling in for a mean game of Scrabble, Charades or Cards Against Humanity...the options are endless. To help get you started, I've taken the liberty of sharing my favorite games here. Play often. Play smart. Most importantly, play together.
Audiotherapy
While I’m an avid movie-goer, there’s something special and electric about going out to listen to live music. I love the energy – in both intimate and large settings – and the deep sense of connection that comes from being present with musicians and singers alongside your date. A while back, I went on a double date (shout out to Joe DiMona for putting it together) to listen to the divine Cyrille Aimee. The combination of gorgeous vocal arrangements, a killer band, and her infectious presence make for an evening of entertainment and a feeling of, yes, love.
Healing Together
I'm on the board of a wonderful organization called The Dinner Party. They are building a worldwide community of 20- and 30-somethings who have each experienced the loss of a parent, partner, child, sibling, other close family member, or close friend. Their mission is to transform life after loss from an isolating experience into one marked by community support, candid conversation, and forward movement using the age-old practice of breaking bread.
Connecting Leaders
I’m a proud member of NationSwell, a national organization of leaders dedicated to service. The organization connects leaders of non-profits, foundations, companies as well as government officials and consultants, providing opportunities to learn from each other and increase our impact – individually and collectively. Their website is rich with content, and the gatherings feature inspiring speakers and concrete calls to action.
Champion of Women
Susan McPherson and I crossed paths years ago when I worked at the Corporation of Yaddo, and I have delighted as I’ve witnessed her become one of the most passionate and thoughtful voices in corporate social responsibility, strategic communications, angel investing and women’s leadership. She is as generous as she is savvy, and in honor of Women’s History Month has highlighted a different amazing woman every day of March on her social media platforms, sharing stories of strength, smarts, and super-human impact. Take a peek, continue to follow her and follow her lead in being a champion of women!
Get Connected
When I was the Executive Director of the Urban Zen Foundation, I had the privilege of attending the inaugural Women Inspiration & Enterprise (WIE) conference co-founded by Dee Poku. Over the past ten years, Dee has built WIE into a powerful leadership network, and hosts must-attend lectures and gatherings for women who are hungry to learn from each other and to make a measurable impact in their world. Her mission and that of WIE: to increase the number of women who reach top leadership positions. She practices what she preaches, serving as a leader and advisor across multiple platforms and sectors.
Start Them Young
I’ve become a big fan of Girls Leadership and love the programs and messaging. By starting young and focusing on skills, voice, emotions, and connections the organization does a wonderful job empowering girls from an early age and giving them tools for a lifetime.
Stay Motivated
I absolutely love listening to Krista Tippet, her guests and her collaborators at On Being. When I want to ’Tune in to tune out” or really just get a mindful tune-up, I tap into the wealth of wisdom, compassion, intelligence and sometimes even humor offered here. Her radio show and podcast combine gentle tones and questions that feel designed to get to the heart – literally – of any matter.
Untangle Your Mind
I’m a big fan of my dear friend Patricia Karpas’ Meditation Studio App. You can access an array of talented meditation teachers and find a style that suits your preferences. They’ve done a great job curating guided meditations, selecting approaches that offer anyone who is interested, the opportunity to explore meditation and find the voice that fits!
AVAILABLE ON THE APP STORE
You Must Try...Alta Calidad
Alta Calidad is fantastic and innovative Mexican food with a great vibe, clever cocktails, and a relaxed but professional service. A must try if ever in Brooklyn.